Collapsible bridge game

ABSTRACT

Game apparatus in the form of a collapsible bridge. Two end-span deck sections are supported on spaced piers and a mid-span deck section is supported between the end-span deck sections to form a continuous bridge deck over the piers. Under dead load conditions and with live loading on the main portion of the end-span deck sections, the bridge is stable. As live load accumulates on the mid-span deck section, the bridge collapses.

United States Patent [191 Garrity et al.

[54] COLLAPSIBLE BRIDGE GAME [76] Inventors: William L. Garrity, 4717 Townes Rd., Edina, Minn. 55424; Riimvydas Anthony Tveras, 5030 Marine Drive, Apt. 2712, Chicago, 111. 60640 22 Filed: Dec.29,1971

21 Appl. No.: 213,499

[52] U.S. Cl. ..273/1 R, 46/17, 273/131 B [51] Int. Cl ..A63f 9/00 [58] Field of Search ..273/1 R; 46/17 [5 6] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 249,448 1 H1881 Barnes ..46/17 3,020,672 2/1962 Zion ..46/17 3,188,089 6/1965 Odell et a1 ..273/1 R X 3,589,723 6/1971 Glass et a1 ..273/1 R [4 1 May 1,1973

FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 462,460 l/1950 Canada ..46/17 1,074 1/1915 Great Britain. ....46/17 413,827 5/1946 Italy ..46/17 Primary Examiner-Anton O.- Oechsle Assistant Examiner-Paul E. Shapiro Attorney-Frederick E. Lange et a1.

[5 7] ABSTRACT Game apparatus in the form of a collapsible bridge. Two end-span deck sections are supported on spaced piers and a mid-span deck section is supported between the end-span deck sections to form a continuous bridge deck over the piers. Under dead load conditions and with live loading on the main portion of the end-span deck sections, the bridge is stable. As live load accumulates on the mid-span deck section, the bridge collapses.

7 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The field of the invention is amusement devices, particularly those characterized by set-up and knockdown. The present invention is a simulated bridge capable of set-up by the players and knock-down due to overloading.

Collapsible toy bridges are disclosed in the prior art. The Dunn et al. US. Pat. No. (2,070,887) and the Wright US. Pat. No. (2,442,526) are each examples of such art.

The present invention has a number of advantages over this prior art. For example, collapse of the bridge of the present invention occurs under actual overloading of the mid-span deck section, rather than through some less realistic method such as pulling the piers apart as in the prior art. The present invention also lends itself well to the incremental advancement of simulated vehicles across the bridge by two or more players thereby injecting excitement and drama not possible with prior art devices. In addition, the present invention utilizes a simple construction and weight distribution to achieve stability under dead-loading conditions, and with live load on the main portion of the endspan deck section, and to produce an unstable, overload condition with live loading on the mid-span. There is thus a clear distinction between stable conditions and collapse thereby presenting a concise and logical point for termination of the game.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is characterized by a pair of parallel spaced upstanding piers and an end-span deck section resting on top of each of the piers. The endspan deck sections each extend substantially horizontally on opposite sides of their respective piers and each deck section has a tongue portion extending toward the opposite pier. Under dead-loading conditions the major portion of the weight of each end-span deck section is on the side of the pier opposite the tongue portion. Means is provided for preventing tipping or pivotal movement of the end-span deck section due to this unequal weight distribution, to thereby maintain the 'deck sections in a substantially horizontal plane. A

mid-span deck section is disposed substantially horizontally between the two end-span deck sections and is supported on the tongue portions thereof. The dead weight of the mid-span section is offset or counterbalanced by the dead weight of the end-span deck sections. The stabilizing moment about the pivotal connection between the end-span deck sections and the piers is, therefore, greater than the collapsing moment (both of which are defined more particularly below). Consequently, .under dead-loading conditions and under certain live-loading conditions, the bridge is stable. As objects accumulate on the mid-span deck section, however, the stabilizing moment is overcome by the collapsing moment and the bridge collapses.

The collapsible bridge apparatus provides a highly entertaining and amusing activity for children. Objects simulating a live load, such as vehicles and/or people, are moved or advanced incremently across the bridge from one end-span deck section to the mid-span deck section to the opposite end-span deck section. If the critical live loading is exceeded on the mid-span deck section, the bridge collapses thereby terminating the game. Various rules and scoring techniques may be devised for developing interest and excitement in the playing of the game, including rules for advancing objects across the bridge and for designating a winner upon termination.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the invention with the bridge set-up in a stable live-loaded condition.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the bridge in a stable deadloaded condition.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of the top of a pier showing the pin-and-saddle relationship between the pier and the end-span deck section.

FIG. 4 is an exploded fragmentary perspective view showing the relationship between the end-span deck sections and the mid-span deck sections.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the bridge in a live-loaded, unstable condition in the process of collapsing.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The general nature of the preferred embodiment of the invention may be understood with reference to FIGS. 1 and 5. The primary components of bridge 10 include piers 11, end-span deck sections 12 and midspan deck section 13. These components are shown in an assembled condition in FIG. 1 under stable live loading provided by simulated vehicles, V. As vehicles, V, are advanced from each end-span deck section 12 onto and across mid-span deck section 13, excessive live loading of mid-span deck section 13 eventually occurs and the bridge collapses. This condition is shown in FIG. 5 shortly after the critical load on mid-span deck. section 13 has been exceeded, with the bridge in the process of collapsing.

The specific nature of the design and construction of the various components and their interrelationship is shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 and is described in detail below.

Piers 11 are formed with a base section 15 and an upstanding wall section 16. With reference to FIG. 3, a pair of pins 17 mounted on brackets 18 are provided on the top of each pier 11 although only one such pin is shown in FIG. 3. Pins 17 serve as a pivotal mounting for end-span deck sections 12 in a manner described more particularly below. The axis of pins 17 extends horizontally, defining axis, A, shown in FIG. 3. Pins 17 provide means for pivotally disposing end-span sections 12 on top of piers l 1.

End-span deck sections 12 include a tongue portion 20 and a main portion 21. A saddle-type bracket 22 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) is formed below end-span deck section 12 at the dividing line between tongue portion 20 and main portion 21 to serve in association with pins 17, as means for pivotally disposing end-section 12 on pier 11. A pair of gusset-type skirts 24 is mounted beneath main portion 21 of end-span deck section 12. Skirts 24 engage wall portion 16 of pier 1 l to maintain end-span deck section 12 in a stable horizontal plane. The weight distribution is such that the weight of main portion 21 of end-span deck section 12 is substantially greater than the weight of tongue portion 12. Thus, there is a resultant moment, M,,, referred to hereinafter as a stabilizing point, about axis, A, in the direction shown in FIG. 2 under dead-loading conditions and with live loading predominantly on the end-span deck sections 12. Skirts 24 serve as means for maintaining end-span deck section 12 in a stable horizontal position against the force of stabilizing moment, M,.

Tongue portion 20 of end-span deck section 12 is provided with a male projection 26, best seen in FIG. 4. Projection 26 serves as means for suspending mid-span deck section 13 on tongue portions 20 of each endspan deck section 12. Projection 26 is offset downwardly with respect to the deck surface of endspan deck section 12 to provide a smooth joint between endspan deck section 12 and mid-span deck section 13 in the assembled relationship. If desired, lanes may be defined on end-span deck section 12 by means of exterior curbs or rails 28 and interior curbs or rails 29.

Mid-span deck section 13 is shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4. It is provided with a pair of spaced parallel skirts 30 which are primarily for aesthetics but, in addition, tend somewhat to maintain mid-span section 13 in a substantially horizontal plane. Recess 31 is provided beneath the traveling surface of mid-span deck section 13 to mate with projection 26 of end-span deck sections 12. This mating relationship is best shown in FIGS. 2 and 4. Mid-span deck section 13 is thus suspended between end-span deck sections 12 on projection 26 to provide a continuous smooth deck surface across the bridge. Exterior curbs or rails 32 and interior rails 33 may be provided to define lanes of travel on mid-span deck section 13.

It should be noted that the dead weight of mid-span deck section 13 is such that when added to the dead weight of tongue portions 20 of end-span deck sections 12, the sum is substantially less than the sum of the weight of main portion 21 of each end-span decksection 12. Thus, the distribution of dead weight is such that the bridge is stable under limited live-loading conditions, as well as under dead loading.

Four flags 35 are provided for aesthetics only, and have no other function.

Each of the parts is preferably molded from plastic, although other material may be used.

The components are assembled to form a bridge as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. End-span deck sections 12 are placed on the respective piers 11 by placing saddletype brackets 22 on pins 17. Skirt 24 engages the exterior side of wall 16 to maintain the end-span deck section 12 in a substantially horizontal plane.

Mid-span deck section 13 is then placed on projec- A tions 26 of each end-span deck section 12 to complete the bridge and provide a smooth traveling surface from one end to the other.

The weight distribution referred to above results, with no loading on the bridge, and with live loading predominantly on the main portion of end-span deck sections 12, in a resultant stabilizing moment, M,, referred to above and shown in FIG. 2. More particularly, stabilizing moment, M,, consists of the dead and live weight of main portion 21 of mid-span deck section 12 acting about axis, A. The collapsing moment, M consists of the weight of mid-span deck section 13 (both dead and live load), as well as the weight of tongue portion 20 of end-span deck sections 12, also acting about axis, A, in a direction opposite to the direction of stabilizing moment, M,. Thus, as long as stabilizing moment, M,, is greater than collapsing moment, M skirts 24 offset the unbalanced condition and the bridge components are stable. This condition is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

In contrast, when the collapsing moment, M due to live loading of mid-span section 13, exceeds the stabilizing moment, M, the bridge collapses. Tongue section 20 of each end-span deck section 12 pivots downwardly and mid-span deck section 13 slips from projections 26 of end-span deck section 12. There is no member provided to compensate for the resultant moment in the direction of M about axis, A. This condition is shown in FIG. 5.

To use the game apparatus described above, the components are assembled as shown in FIGS. 1 through 4. Piers 11 are set up in spaced relationship and end-span deck sections 12 are mounted thereon by setting saddle-type bracket 22 on pins 16. Mid-span deck section 13 is then placed on projections 26 to complete the bridge. Simulated vehicles, V, are placed on the main portion of end-span deck section 12 on either end. Specific lanes are assigned to specific players. In the initial live-loaded position, the stabilizing moment, M,, exceeds the collapsing moment, M and the resultant moment is compensated for by skirt 24 engaging wall portion 16 of each pier 11. The capacity of .the saddle-and-pin connection at bracket 22 and pin 17 to bear limited horizontal stress is also involved.

Vehicles, V, are advanced incremently by the respective players from one end of the bridge to the other in their respective lanes. Various rules may be devised for determining and designating the incremental advancement of each vehicle. As vehicles, V, accumulate on mid-span section 13, overloading occurs and the collapsing moment, M exceeds the stabilizing moment, M,. The bridge collapses as shown in FIG. 5 and the game is over. Those skilled in the art may devise various rules and techniques to inject drama and excitement into the game and to determine the winner upon termination.

Variations may be made in the form of the inventions shown and described above without departing from its scope. For example, the number of piers may be increased above two to add length to the bridge and additional opportunity for overloading and collapse. The pin-and-saddle relationship between end-span deck sections 12 and pier 11 is not critical as long as a pivotal connection capable of accepting a horizontal force component is used. In addition, the specific means for preventing pivotal movement of each endspan deck section about the horizontal axis in a direction defined by upward arcuate movement of the tongue portion, need not be the specific skirt members shown, but could include various other means for preventing such movement. For example, an overhead type member could be used. The joint between midspan deck section 13 and end-span deck sections 12 may also vary, the specific projection shown not being critical. For example, a pair of projections or pins might be used as distinguished from the single shelftype projection 26 shown in the drawing, without departing from the scope of the invention. Other variations may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention which is to be limited only by the following claims.

I claim as my invention:

1. Game apparatus for simulating the collapse of a bridge comprising:

a pair of parallel spaced upstanding piers,

an end-span deck section disposed on top of and extending substantially horizontally on opposite sides of each pier for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis, each end-span deck section having a tongue portion extending substantially horizontally toward the opposite pier with the major portion of its dead weight on the side of the pier opposite the tongue portion,

means for preventing pivotal movement of each endspan deck section about the horizontal axis in a direction defined by upward arcuate movement of the tongue portion,

a mid-span deck section disposed in a substantially horizontal plane extending between the end-span deck sections and supported by the tongue portions thereof, the dead weight of the mid-span section being such that the stabilizing moment about the horizontal axis at each pier is greater than the collapsing moment, whereby live weight may be placed on the mid-span to overcome the stabilizing moment and cause the bridge to collapse.

2. The game apparatus of claim 1 wherein the means for preventing pivotal movement of each end-span deck section about the horizontal axis in a direction defined by upward arcuate movement of the tongue portion comprises at least one member mounted to and suspended from the end-span deck section and adapted to engage the pier on the side thereof opposite the tongue portion when the end-span deck section is disposed on top of the pier in a substantially horizontal plane.

3. The game apparatus of claim 1 wherein the means for preventing pivotal movement of each end deck section about the horizontal axis in a direction defined by upward arcuate movement of the tongue portion comprises a pair of parallel spaced gusset-type skirt members mounted to and suspended from the end-span deck section and adapted to engage the pier on the side thereof opposite the tongue portion when the end deck section is disposed on top of the pier in a substantially horizontal plane.

4. The game apparatus of claim 1 wherein the tongue portion of each end-deck section includes a projection offset downwardly from the plane of the deck and.

wherein the mid-span deck section is adapted to rest on the projection to provide a smooth deck surface from one deck section to the other.

5. The game apparatus of claim 1 and pins mounted to the top of each pier with the axis thereof coincident with the horizontal axis.

6. The game apparatus of claim 5 wherein the endspan deck section is pivotally disposed on top of each pier by means of a sadd1e-type engagement with the pins.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the end-span deck section and the mid-span deck sections define lanes for movement of objects across the bridge. 

1. Game apparatus for simulating the collapse of a bridge comprising: a pair of parallel spaced upstanding piers, an end-span deck section disposed on top of and extending substantially horizontally on opposite sides of each pier for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis, each end-span deck section having a tongue portion extending substantially horizontally toward the opposite pier with the major portion of its dead weight on the side of the pier opposite the tongue portion, means for preventing pivotal movement of each end-span deck section about the horizontal axis in a direction defined by upward arcuate movement of the tongue portion, a mid-span deck section disposed in a substantially horizontal plane extending between the end-span deck sections and supported by the tongue portions thereof, the dead weight of the mid-span section being such that the stabilizing moment about the horizontal axis at each pier is greater than the collapsing moment, whereby live weight may be placed on the mid-span to overcome the stabilizing moment and cause the bridge to collapse.
 2. The game apparatus of claim 1 wherein the means for preventing pivotal movement of each end-span deck section about the horizontal axis in a direction defined by upward arcuate movement of the tongue portion comprises at least one member mounted to and suspended from the end-span deck section and adapted to engage the pier on the side thereof opposite the tongue portion when the end-span deck section is disposed on top of the pier in a substantially horizontal plane.
 3. The game apparatus of claim 1 wherein the means foR preventing pivotal movement of each end deck section about the horizontal axis in a direction defined by upward arcuate movement of the tongue portion comprises a pair of parallel spaced gusset-type skirt members mounted to and suspended from the end-span deck section and adapted to engage the pier on the side thereof opposite the tongue portion when the end deck section is disposed on top of the pier in a substantially horizontal plane.
 4. The game apparatus of claim 1 wherein the tongue portion of each end-deck section includes a projection offset downwardly from the plane of the deck and wherein the mid-span deck section is adapted to rest on the projection to provide a smooth deck surface from one deck section to the other.
 5. The game apparatus of claim 1 and pins mounted to the top of each pier with the axis thereof coincident with the horizontal axis.
 6. The game apparatus of claim 5 wherein the end-span deck section is pivotally disposed on top of each pier by means of a saddle-type engagement with the pins.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the end-span deck section and the mid-span deck sections define lanes for movement of objects across the bridge. 